Joseph Mallord William Turner

Gylen Castle is seen here from close by to the east-north-east. The castle stands on a rock on a headland at the south of the island of Kerrera, and Turner must have stood on that rock to make this sketch. The rocky coastline of the island is seen in the foreground at the left and right with the Firth of Lorn beyond, and the coasts of Argyll at the left and Mull at the right. This is one of four views from the north (folios 74–75 verso; D26886–D26889), but it is Turner’s most fully realised sketch of the castle and its surrounding topography.

For further information on Turner’s sketches of the castle, see folio 73 verso (D26885) where he made two detailed studies. Other views are on folios 63 verso–75 verso (D26865–D26889).